Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you are using fireplaces for warmth or aesthetics, the perfect surround can give your living room personality. But choosing a fireplace surround that complies with code and is safe can be a difficult task.

Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made with non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point within an area and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be crafted using a variety of materials and can be designed to fit different styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style, it's important that you take into consideration the style and the budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds are an elegant option that can be paired with a wide variety of styles. They can be combined with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create an unique, contemporary look. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and can stand up to high temperatures, making it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched for contemporary appearance or left unfinished to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to rooms.

Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces wood. It's tough and able to stand up to heat well. It comes in a variety of patterns and colors making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be shaped and made into a modern fireplace surround.

The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace could be a possibility for DIYers. This task may seem daunting however it's more simple than you imagine if you work with a professional and prepare ahead.

It's recommended to speak with a professional when creating a fireplace surround made of marble, as it requires special care to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace surround, be sure it's approved for high-temperature use. You can typically find this information on the packaging, or ask an employee at a local home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can completely transform the entire space. It's not only meant to look attractive, but also has a functional purpose that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and also to help reflect heat back into the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be customized for any style or decor.

The right material is essential to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent choice because it's highly durable and non-flammable. It also has lots of visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. It's typically poured into a mold, giving you the ability to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.

When you design your leaning frame, make sure to add in layers. This helps the piece look deliberate and thoughtful instead of being randomly placed on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames are dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to prevent them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.

You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or marble fireplaces surround. This will help keep it in place. It can also help reduce the weight of the piece and prevent it from moving while you enjoy a good cup of coffee or wine on your mantel.

After you've decided on the material, it's time to build the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your surround. Then, using a saw, cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.

Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board and then into the stud. Pre-drilling the screw holes is recommended if required. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth plus the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and a functional function. They shield walls from heat damage and help deflect some heat back into the room and can make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in a room. Wood and metal are the most commonly used materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code to guard against nearby combustible substances or they can improve the look of a fireplace.

The fireplace in this modern living space has the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it is a striking design feature to the space. The black finish also brings together the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create an attractive look.

While you may think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and then shaped into any shape, offering you a wide range of design possibilities. This concrete surround has been cut into a curved profile which gives it an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker hues of the brick floor and wood wall.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which comes in a wide range of textures and colors to match any style. wooden fireplaces surrounds are lighter and more affordable than masonry surrounds and they can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decorative items for the mantel including lamps and vases.

Certain wood surrounds have an edging that is placed on mantel's top and houses the doors to the fireplace. The faceplate can be attached with decorative fasteners or hinges which resemble the appearance of iron.

It is important to take into consideration the size of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes require minimum clearances. The distance will vary based on the type of fireplace you have and also from state state or country country.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options available for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional style. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also choose from oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be an affordable and easy choice.

A lot of people choose to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround as this is an affordable way to achieve the look they want without the expense of the services of carpenters. Some pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are available in a variety of finishes to make it a part of your existing decor.

A handcrafted wood fire surround made from high quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. The fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fireplaces (you could try these out). It is available in two different styles: arched or flat.

There are many tutorials available online for those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own fireplace surround from wood. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow will show how to build an attractive wood surround with pine.

The tutorial teaches you how to build the horizontal part before building the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. After these are built, you can install the mantel. The tutorial will show how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall that surrounds it.

Because a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is essential to adhere to your local fire code and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it remains in the proper position.